Senate to Vote to Continue COVID Protections and Vaccine Distribution
HARTFORD – Connecticut Senate Democrats will vote today to continue the COVID-19 protections and vaccine distribution that have effectively reduced the spread of the deadly and highly infectious virus by renewing the declaration of an emergency of public health and civil preparedness first put in place in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This comes as the state, during the summer, saw a sharp increase in COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations and deaths due to the surge of the Delta variant of the disease; however, with the protections allowed by the order remaining in place, Connecticut saw a fraction of the serious public health consequences causing widespread illness and fatalities in other states. With the outlook of the pandemic continuing to shift – with booster vaccine doses recently approved and potential imminent approval of vaccine shots for young children – keeping the declaration in place will provide Connecticut with increased flexibility to react.
Members of the legislature will retain the ability to veto executive orders through a new bipartisan law recently approved during the 2021 legislative session.
Among the most important standards remaining in place among remaining executive orders include the continued provision of non-congregant housing for populations at increased risk of contracting COVID-19 such as homeless individuals and victims of domestic violence. Out-of-network vaccine reimbursements, temporary nurse aide programs, modifications to the summary process for evictions and the continuing wearing of masks in high-population settings including schools and group housing will also remain in place.
This vote will also assist vaccination efforts. By extending the public health emergency order, staff of nursing homes and long-term care facilities will be required to be vaccinated, protecting the elderly and vulnerable, while state employees and contractors visiting state hospitals and state buildings will be required to either be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing, to ensure critical state services can continue without disruption and reduce the odds of infection, disease and health consequences in these settings.
School employees will also be required to be vaccinated or tested to protect children not currently eligible for vaccination; the Delta variant has resulted in increased infections among children, and while they are experiencing them at a lower rate, higher volumes of ill children increase the volumes of children experiencing serious health consequences.
Additionally, two new executive orders will create a vaccination requirement for health care facilities and health care workers caring for high-risk individuals and reduce the cost of extended unemployment insurance benefits for individual employers.
Without the continuation of the executive order, the state would not receive $8 million in federal reimbursements for funds spent providing non-congregate housing or $3.5 million in reimbursements for FEMA emergency food assistance.
While critics have claimed Connecticut is the only state among neighbors retaining emergency declarations, others still have such declarations in place. Massachusetts, as of late May, is under a public health emergency giving the Commissioner of Public Health power to allow measures on testing, vaccination and protecting high-risk residents; New Jersey ended its public health emergency but remains under a state of emergency, with the Governor and Health Commissioner given the authority to issue orders on vaccines, testing and implementing Centers for Disease Control regulations; Rhode Island issued a disaster declaration in late August running through September; and Vermont issued an order under its special duty statute where state agencies can address pandemic-related issues.
Despite seeing high fatality numbers early in the pandemic, Connecticut recently saw its per-capita death rate ranking among the United States fall sharply. Previously ranked sixth in deaths per capita, the state has now fallen to 13th, with Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and South Dakota – the majority of those states having low vaccination rates and restrictions on public health protections – ranking above it due to sharp increases in deaths caused as the Delta variant of COVID-19 spread nationally.
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
NORWALK – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling highlighted more than $175 million in transportation investments and funding, from federal and state sources, that will lead to significant renovation, repair and upkeep work on roads and highways in Norwalk and New Canaan, with both Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway each receiving more than $50 million in funding. Part of the funds will contribute to the continued resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway.
“Connecticut continues to make critical investments in local transportation infrastructure,” said Sen. Duff. “But these upgrades are more than asphalt, steel and cement. Better infrastructure means less traffic, more time at home with family, and an overall better quality of life for our community.”
“When we look to the future of transportation in Connecticut, we dream of faster trains, fewer traffic jams and safer infrastructure to carry us where we need to go. But we won’t reach that future without funding projects like this,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m so grateful that Governor Lamont has helped bring a 25-year project to the finish line. In fact, the Merritt Parkway Improvement Project has been going on for as long as I’ve been alive. It’s time we complete this final stretch here on the Norwalk/New Canaan Border and get Fairfield County moving.”
With the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding allocations on July 23, Norwalk and New Canaan will receive upwards of $175 million in transportation funding in coming years from federal and state sources. The largest and most significant investment will be a total of $98 million, which will go toward safety improvements along two miles of Interstate 95 from Exit 16 to 17. Of that $98 million, $53.255 million will come from federal sources, while $2.8 million of additional state funds will be used; the remaining $41.945 million for the project comes from previously allocated bond funds.
Further support in the area will include more than $50 million to support the resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway, also known as Route 15, helping the continuing resurfacing project and improving conditions on the Parkway and further leading to bridge and safety improvements there as well. The East Avenue Railroad Bridge, which carries Metro North, will receive $14 million in funds, with $6.6 million in state funding and $8.2 million in bonding and other funding supporting its growth.
Finally, allocations of $906,875 and $331,787 in Town Aid Road allocations for Norwalk and New Canaan, respectively, will support general road work; Darien will receive an additional $341,348.
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
Senators Duff, Haskell Highlight $175 Million of Transportation Investments Benefitting Norwalk, New Canaan
NORWALK – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), State Senator Will Haskell (D-Westport) and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling highlighted more than $175 million in transportation investments and funding, from federal and state sources, that will lead to significant renovation, repair and upkeep work on roads and highways in Norwalk and New Canaan, with both Interstate 95 and the Merritt Parkway each receiving more than $50 million in funding. Part of the funds will contribute to the continued resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway.
“When we look to the future of transportation in Connecticut, we dream of faster trains, fewer traffic jams and safer infrastructure to carry us where we need to go. But we won’t reach that future without funding projects like this,” said Sen. Haskell. “I’m so grateful that Governor Lamont has helped bring a 25-year project to the finish line. In fact, the Merritt Parkway Improvement Project has been going on for as long as I’ve been alive. It’s time we complete this final stretch here on the Norwalk/New Canaan Border and get Fairfield County moving.”
“Connecticut continues to make critical investments in local transportation infrastructure,” said Sen. Duff. “But these upgrades are more than asphalt, steel and cement. Better infrastructure means less traffic, more time at home with family, and an overall better quality of life for our community.”
With the State Bond Commission’s approval of funding allocations on July 23, Norwalk and New Canaan will receive upwards of $175 million in transportation funding in coming years from federal and state sources. The largest and most significant investment will be a total of $98 million, which will go toward safety improvements along two miles of Interstate 95 from Exit 16 to 17. Of that $98 million, $53.255 million will come from federal sources, while $2.8 million of additional state funds will be used; the remaining $41.945 million for the project comes from previously allocated bond funds.
Further support in the area will include more than $50 million to support the resurfacing of the Merritt Parkway, also known as Route 15, helping the continuing resurfacing project and improving conditions on the Parkway and further leading to bridge and safety improvements there as well. The East Avenue Railroad Bridge, which carries Metro North, will receive $14 million in funds, with $6.6 million in state funding and $8.2 million in bonding and other funding supporting its growth.
Finally, allocations of $906,875 and $331,787 in Town Aid Road allocations for Norwalk and New Canaan, respectively, will support general road work; Darien will receive an additional $341,348.
Bridgeport Delegation Submits Request to Attorney General William Tong to Investigate Predatory Lending at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Bridgeport Delegation Submits Request to Attorney General William Tong to Investigate Predatory Lending at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
The Bridgeport Delegation including state Senators Marilyn Moore and Dennis Bradley, Representatives Andre Baker, Jr., Antonio Felipe, Jack Hennessy, Christopher Rosario, Steve Stafstrom, and Charlie Stallworth wrote a letter to Attorney General William Tong asking him to investigate predatory lending that took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. The Bridgeport Delegation believe this unfair and abusive practice contributed to the church’s foreclosure on Saturday.
The members of this Church are now left without a place of worship. The church has become victim to the deception placed in the predatory lending. The Bridgeport Delegation are working together to ensure the process was lawful and did not contribute to the foreclosure of properties associated to the lending.
The letter sent to Attorney William Tong is below:
September 23, 2021
William Tong
Attorney General
State of Connecticut
Dear Attorney General Tong,
This week Pastor Kenneth Moales, Jr. reached out asking for assistance with a crisis regarding the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God and Cathedral of the Holy Spirit located in Bridgeport at 729 Union Avenue. Pastor Moales indicated the church and related properties were under siege from what he is describing as a predatory lender. The dilemma has been ongoing for several years and the properties are now in foreclosure. As background the church has been a beacon of light in Bridgeport and this week is celebrating its 52nd year anniversary. It’s founder, the late Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. was a well- respected, nationally known leader both in the secular and faith communities.
The members of the Bridgeport delegation are requesting your office to investigate the practices that took place over several years with the lender that contributed to the foreclosure. According to documents the lender was not authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut and several other churches in multiple states have experienced similar problems with the lender. We are not expecting your office to intervene on the foreclosure; however, many of the instances that were shared during a press conference and virtual meeting with members of the delegation, Mayor Ganim, City Council members, and other clergy suggest that they should be investigated.
Attached is a press release authored by Pastor Moales and he has also provided additional documentation regarding transactions with the lender.
At the request of Pastor Moales I am taking the lead and have the support of members of the delegation in making this request. Please respond to Senator Marilyn Moore for more information and a response.
Sincerely,
Senator Marilyn Moore
Senator Dennis Bradley
Rep. Andre Baker, Jr.
Rep. Antonio Felipe
Rep. Jack Hennessy
Rep. Christopher Rosario
Rep. Steve Stafstrom
Rep. Charlie Stallworth
Bridgeport Delegation Submits Request to Attorney General William Tong to Investigate Predatory Lending at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
Bridgeport Delegation Submits Request to Attorney General William Tong to Investigate Predatory Lending at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit
The Bridgeport Delegation including state Senators Marilyn Moore and Dennis Bradley, Representatives Andre Baker, Jr., Antonio Felipe, Jack Hennessy, Christopher Rosario, Steve Stafstrom, and Charlie Stallworth wrote a letter to Attorney General William Tong asking him to investigate predatory lending that took place at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. The Bridgeport Delegation believe this unfair and abusive practice contributed to the church’s foreclosure on Saturday.
The members of this Church are now left without a place of worship. The church has become victim to the deception placed in the predatory lending. The Bridgeport Delegation are working together to ensure the process was lawful and did not contribute to the foreclosure of properties associated to the lending.
The letter sent to Attorney William Tong is below:
September 23, 2021
William Tong
Attorney General
State of Connecticut
Dear Attorney General Tong,
This week Pastor Kenneth Moales, Jr. reached out asking for assistance with a crisis regarding the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God and Cathedral of the Holy Spirit located in Bridgeport at 729 Union Avenue. Pastor Moales indicated the church and related properties were under siege from what he is describing as a predatory lender. The dilemma has been ongoing for several years and the properties are now in foreclosure. As background the church has been a beacon of light in Bridgeport and this week is celebrating its 52nd year anniversary. It’s founder, the late Bishop Kenneth Moales, Sr. was a well- respected, nationally known leader both in the secular and faith communities.
The members of the Bridgeport delegation are requesting your office to investigate the practices that took place over several years with the lender that contributed to the foreclosure. According to documents the lender was not authorized to do business in the State of Connecticut and several other churches in multiple states have experienced similar problems with the lender. We are not expecting your office to intervene on the foreclosure; however, many of the instances that were shared during a press conference and virtual meeting with members of the delegation, Mayor Ganim, City Council members, and other clergy suggest that they should be investigated.
Attached is a press release authored by Pastor Moales and he has also provided additional documentation regarding transactions with the lender.
At the request of Pastor Moales I am taking the lead and have the support of members of the delegation in making this request. Please respond to Senator Marilyn Moore for more information and a response.
Sincerely,
Senator Marilyn Moore
Senator Dennis Bradley
Rep. Andre Baker, Jr.
Rep. Antonio Felipe
Rep. Jack Hennessy
Rep. Christopher Rosario
Rep. Steve Stafstrom
Rep. Charlie Stallworth
Labor Leaders Call for Department of Labor to Take Action on Unemployment Overpayment Issue, Help Those Still Struggling
Labor Leaders Call for Department of Labor to Take Action on Unemployment Overpayment Issue, Help Those Still Struggling
HARTFORD – Today, leaders of the legislature’s Labor and Public Employees Committee – including Senate Chair State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury), House Chair State Representative Robyn Porter (D-Hamden/New Haven), Senate Vice Chair State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Ansonia) and Committee Member State Representative Anne Hughes (D-Easton/Redding/Weston) – joined together at the State Capitol to call on the Connecticut Department of Labor to take action on the continuing problem of unemployment compensation overpayments made during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Labor Department reports it has corrected more than 100,000 claims made that it considers fraudulent – but many people left jobless during the apex of the pandemic and who received crucial funds from the Department, who needed the funds they received, are being asked to pay back money they do not have.
“So many people suffered during the pandemic, particularly at the beginning when businesses, schools and daycares closed down, and working families were left without any options to pay their bills. They didn’t have a job to go to, and if they did, they had no one to take care of their kids. It was a tragic situation, and no one was at fault. This pandemic created havoc and so many people and working families suffered in ways that are unimaginable,” said Sen. Kushner. “What concerns me is we’re at a moment where notices of overpayment of unemployment is overwhelming for people, particularly people who haven’t even gone back to work. We’re calling on the state, the Department of Labor, the administration, the legislature – we need to do something quickly to reassure people that we’re going to be there for them through yet another crisis. We want to make sure individuals know that there are options if they receive an overpayment claim. They can appeal or apply for waivers and for forgiveness. We need to make sure everyone knows the state has been stepping up – and this is another moment where we need to step up.”
“I want to be totally clear – there are cases of fraud,” Sen. Kushner continued. “The Department of Labor has uncovered more than 100,000 cases of fraud. We have no mercy for those folks. For them, we should fully enforce penalties. But we’re not talking about fraudulent cases. We’re talking about poor, hardworking people who are trying to get by during a crisis. They are the people we need to stand with.”
“This is an awful issue. I’m appalled that we are talking about repayment of UI overpayments as we continue to fight through a persisting pandemic,” said Rep. Porter. “I want everyone to know that we are working on the issue, however there are many details that we do not have knowledge of yet and we know the devil is in the details. With that being said, I do not want to act in haste, as haste makes waste. However, what I do want to do is respond expeditiously as we work collectively to gain information that will enable us to make the right decisions based on viable options. There are federal and state laws that must be considered. That is why being well-informed in this complex and intersectional issue continues to be a big concern. At the end of the day, I want our constituents to know that they are not in this alone and that my colleagues and I are working to ensure that the claimants who legitimately received benefits will be relieved of the burden to repay any overpayments they may have received, while those who acted fraudulently will be held to the full extent of the law. I’ll end with this, I am encouraged that Speaker Ritter has said that he is in full support of our efforts and that we have the resources to make it happen. Now, it’s a matter of figuring out how we get there while being legally compliant.”
“This is a one in a century pandemic that has upended the lives of many of my constituents,” said Sen. Cabrera. “The economic impact on their lives and families still lingers. As we continue to manage the unknown and get back on our feet we must not add to the pain and suffering of so many citizens who still need support and help. I am hopeful we can find a solution that does not do further harm to our constituents and their families.”
“We heard from hundreds of desperate and frustrated constituents who filed for unemployment, heard nothing about the status of their claims for months, and struggled to survive without an income, paycheck, or unemployment insurance,” said Rep. Hughes. “When a check finally did arrive it was put to immediate use to survive. If these economically distressed workers received an overpayment, or partial overpayment because of miscalculation or glitches in the cumbersome filing process, it is on us as a state to immediately reduce this distress, and streamline our process to forgive or waive these obligations. Our understaffed and antiquated computer system made errors in the calculation and processing of claims. We must adequately resource our Department of Labor and support sufficient resources and expertise to investigate fraud, where those claims are warranted.”
Recent media reports have indicated that among many legitimate cases of fraud in the unemployment system, a significant number of people receiving unemployment overpayment claims asking for restitution to the state were out of work during the early days of the pandemic and face serious financial pain if forced to pay back the large sums owed to them. Labor leaders, aware that the circumstances of the pandemic were unique and that these individuals are not at fault for losing work accordingly, are seeking ways for them to receive relief without suffering more financial harm.
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Anti-Vaxxer Hearing at the Capitol
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Anti-Vaxxer Hearing at the Capitol
HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to the Republican hearing of anti-vaxxers at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“Today we saw the impact dangerous disinformation is having on the Republican party. We all must ignore the lies around COVID, trust the science, and speak only to the facts. The COVID vaccine is safe, effective, and will save lives. People are needlessly dying for failing to act responsibly. Get vaccinated.”
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Anti-Vaxxer Hearing at the Capitol
Looney, Duff Statement on Republican Anti-Vaxxer Hearing at the Capitol
HARTFORD – Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) released the following statement in response to the Republican hearing of anti-vaxxers at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
“Today we saw the impact dangerous disinformation is having on the Republican party. We all must ignore the lies around COVID, trust the science, and speak only to the facts. The COVID vaccine is safe, effective, and will save lives. People are needlessly dying for failing to act responsibly. Get vaccinated.”
Sen. Hartley and Rep. Reyes Holding Community Conversation with Waterbury Residents
Sen. Hartley and Rep. Reyes Holding Community Conversation with Waterbury Residents
State Senator Joan Hartley and State Representative Geraldo Reyes Jr., members of the Waterbury legislative delegation, will be holding a community conversation with residents this Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at 142 Bank Street in Waterbury. Masks and social distancing will be required.
Attendees will hear a recap on the 2021 legislative session. Also, people participating in the event will have the chance to ask questions regarding state and local topics of concern to them.
“Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the Commerce Committee and the Connecticut General Assembly had an incredibly productive legislation session. Together, we approved legislation that will assist manufacturers and small businesses, support first responders, and provide funding to improve the Waterbury Branch Line,” said Sen. Hartley. “I look forward to talking with constituents and answering their questions on issues important to their families.”
Sen. Hartley serves as co-chair of both the Commerce Committee and Manufacturing Caucus, along with sitting on the Appropriations Committee as vice-chair.
Rep. Reyes said, “Over the past year-and-a-half our community has relied on communication with leaders like Sen. Hartley and myself, to advocate for their needs in the General Assembly. As we continue to navigate through the ongoing pandemic and it’s variant challenges, I look forward to offering a space for families to voice concerns, ask questions and express their needs.”
Rep. Reyes is a member of several committees including appropriations, transportation, and environment. Also, he serves as chair of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus.
Constituents with questions regarding the community conversation can email Joan.Hartley@cga.ct.gov and Kim.Taylor@cga.ct.gov.
Senator Needleman Scores 100% on CBIA Scorecard for 2021 Legislative Session
Senator Needleman Scores 100% on CBIA Scorecard for 2021 Legislative Session
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) proudly announced he scored a perfect 100% on the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, or CBIA, 2021 legislative scorecards reflecting key decisions on important bills proposed and voted on during the most recent legislative session running from January to June 2021. The scorecard in question centered on nine key pieces of legislation considered by lawmakers during the session; of the seven bills Sen. Needleman had a chance to vote on, he voted in line with what the CBIA reported would benefit job growth and the state’s post-pandemic recovery.
“We all know that Connecticut needs to rebuild a strong economy strong in the wake of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that our state needs to support the needs of workers and businesses alike,” said Sen. Needleman. “We cannot have a healthy economy without businesses that can grow and succeed, nor can we have a healthy economy where workers are underpaid and underappreciated. I’m proud to be recognized for my support of state businesses and workers as I strive to balance my work in the Senate to meet the needs of both groups.”
The CBIA 2021 scorecard took nine topics into account with positions variously supported or opposed by the group. Legislators were awarded passing grades for supporting measures including changes to the state’s public-private partnership statute, which will expand the capabilities of businesses working with the state to address key infrastructure needs; reforms to unemployment compensation to modernize and update the system; and improving cybersecurity standards in businesses including adopting nationally recognized standards. They were also graded based on support or opposition of bills changing labor standards in the state. Three of the nine bills on the scorecard were never taken up by the House or Senate and four did not pass both chambers, meaning they were not signed into law.
In addition to his role as State Senator, Sen. Needleman is also the founder and CEO of Tower Laboratories, Inc., which is based in Centerbrook and employs hundreds in Connecticut and Michigan.